Dental technicians work in sophisticated clinical laboratories, assembling prosthetic devices such as crowns and bridges according to dentists' instructions. Official dental technician training is not always necessary to obtain an entry-level position, though completing a program can significantly improve a person's skills and chances of finding a good job. When choosing a dental technician training program, it is important to carefully review the credentials of the school or institution and make sure the program itself is recognized by formal accreditation boards. With the appropriate credentials, a person can pursue dental technician jobs at dentistry clinics and private offices.
Some universities, community colleges, and allied health schools offer formal dental technician training and education programs that can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. A person who is interested in enrolling in a college-based program can usually obtain plenty of information about the schools' credentials and the success rate of graduates. By talking to an adviser, a student can learn about the program to make sure it will be a good fit. Many schools feature career placement counselors as well who can help people find entry-level work upon graduation.
Another option for prospective dental technicians in many countries is attending courses sponsored by governmental or third-party organizations. Training courses typically take less time to complete than college programs, and they often cost less to attend. It is essential for a person to make sure that a program is recognized by the appropriate authorities, such as the American Dental Association or the General Dental Council in the United Kingdom. Facts about accreditation and curricula can usually be obtained on program websites or by contacting representatives.
Whether training is done through sponsored courses or college programs, a person can expect to split his or her time between classroom studies and hands-on practice. Students learn about dental terminology and how to interpret patient charts and x-rays. In addition, they usually have the chance to work with the different types of molds, plasters, and equipment they will use in their eventual careers.
After completing a dental technician training program, an individual can apply for jobs at local clinics. New workers who have earned certification may be able to start out at a higher pay scale than workers who received all of their dental technician training on-the-job. A new technician can expect to spend several weeks or months as an assistant to a more experienced worker to learn about different techniques and protocol. Successful technicians can eventually earn the right to working largely unsupervised.
